Details
The Kalash Valley Tour is an enchanting journey that takes you to the beautiful Kalash Valley in Chitral, Pakistan. Nestled in the breathtaking Hindukush mountain range, this region is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and the unique Kalash people who inhabit the valley. The journey to Kalash Valley begins from Chitral town, located in the northwestern part of Pakistan. As you make your way through the Hindukush Trail, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of snow-capped peaks, lush green meadows, and cascading waterfalls. The rugged terrain adds a sense of adventure and makes the journey even more thrilling. Upon reaching the Kalash Valley, you'll discover a world unlike any other. The Kalash people are an indigenous group with their own distinct language, traditions, and beliefs. They are known for their vibrant festivals, colorful attire, and unique cultural practices that have been preserved for centuries. The valley is dotted with traditional Kalash houses, where you can witness their way of life and interact with the friendly locals. During your tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore the three main Kalash villages: Bumburet, Rumbur, and Birir. Each village has its own charm and offers a glimpse into the Kalash culture. You can visit their ancient temples, participate in their festivals, and engage in traditional dances and music performances. Apart from immersing yourself in the cultural experience, the Kalash Valley also offers natural beauty in abundance. You can embark on hikes and treks to discover hidden valleys, alpine meadows, and remote mountain lakes. The pristine surroundings provide ample opportunities for photography and wildlife spotting, with species such as the snow leopard and ibex inhabiting the region. As you explore the Kalash Valley and traverse the Hindukush Trail, you'll be captivated by the untouched beauty and the warm hospitality of the Kalash people. It's a journey that offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural wonders, and unforgettable memories.
Itinerary
Arrival at Islamabad international airport
we will drive for 2 hours to Peshawar and full day city tour of Peshawar will include, Peshawar local markets (story teller’s bazaar & Chowk Yadgar), Mohabat Khan Mosque and Peshawar Museum (best collection of Ancient Gandhara Heritages). Dinner & overnight stay will be at hotel.
Drive to Swat Valley via Maland Pass, en route visit Sri Bahlol takhat bahi (Buddhist Monastery), later we will visit Shingardar stupa and Ghalegay Buddha, Dinner & night stay at hotel.
Full day tour of swat Valley include visit Butkada site 1 & 3, Swat Museum, Murghizar (summer palace), weavers village in Islampur and in the evening visit Fizagut. Overnight stay at hotel in Saidu Sharif Swat.
Following breakfast, we will drive to Kalash Valley via lowari pass or tunnel. En route we will stop for photography, tea and toilet breaks. We will reach Bumburate village of Kalash around late noon and remaining time; we will have an ample time to walk in Bamburat Village and meet local people.
Today we will explore one of the three villages of Kalash Valley – Bumburate, Birir & Rumbur. You will be amazed by visiting & meeting Kalash People – form a cultural island where ancient traditions and pagan belief have managed to sustain themselves throughout time, in a land locally called as Kafiristan, the “Land of Non-Believers. In the evening, we will get back to hotel for dinner and accommodation.
we will drive to Chitral town, visit local market, Shahi mosque and fort (if we get permission) and then we will continue our drive to upper chitral through Boni. We will make several photo stops and we will reach hotel around evening. Dinner & overnight stay will be at hotel.
This is an interesting day, as we are crossing Shandur Pass where world highest polo ground is locating and it is the place where wild polo (free style) tournament is playing from July 7 to 9 every year. Certainly, we will have enough time to stop for couple of hours on top to enjoy the nature. After visit, we will drive to Phandar and remaining we will visit a village. Dinner & overnight stay will be at hotel.
For half a day, we will drive along the beautiful rivers of Gilgit & Hunza, one of the most special parts of Pakistan, en route we will visit Kargah Buddha (rock carved), 30 minutes’ walk in Gilgit City to see typical mountain bazaar, visit Karakorum Highway monuments (home village of the founder of Active Tours Pakistan), collision point of Eurasian & Indian plates, viewpoint of Ancient/Historical Silk Road, viewpoint of Rakaposhi Peak (7788m). As we approach Karimabad the peak Rakaposhi (7788m) dominates the sky line to the east. Above Hunza stands the prominent rock spire Bublimating 6000m and the Impressive Ultar peaks. Overnight stay at hotel.
Full day local visits will include, morning we will drive by 4×4 jeeps through Nagar Valley to Hopar village, is on opposite site of River Hunza, around noon we will drive back to Karimabad, meeting with local folks, understanding the secrets of their longevity and also visit important historical Fort, including the recently renovated, simple yet overpowering, Baltit Fort, around evening we will have water channel walk to experience local life and in the evening we will have time to visit local bazaar walk & shopping.
Early morning, we will drive by 4×4 jeeps to Duikar (The highest village in Central Hunza) for sunrise photography.
Following breakfast, we will walk through Passu village (very traditional village) and will meet the most hospitable local people for 1 hour. Later, we will stop at viewpoints of Passu glacier, Passu cathedrals, walk for 2.5 hours to Borit Lake and then we will join again Karakorum Highway and walk for an hour on Hussani suspension bridge.
Before reaching Besham, we will make some interesting photogenic stops at the unique point where three highest mountain ranges, Karakorum, Himalayas and Hindukush meet, view point of Nanga Parbat (9th highest peak of the world) offers breathtaking panorama on behind, ancient graffiti’s at Chilas with the pre-historic rock carving inscription at Shatial, We will check-in at hotel around evening, dinner & overnight stay will be at hotel.
Following breakfast we will drive to Taxila. Most of the Archaeological Sites at Taxila (600 B.C-500 A.D) are located around Taxila Museum. For over 1000 years, Taxila remained famous of as a center of learning in respect of Gandhara Art of Sculpture, education and Buddhism in the days of Buddhist glory. There are over 50 archaeological sites scattered in a radius of 30 km around Taxila. Some of the most important sites include Dharmarajika, Stupa and Monastery (300 B.C – 200 A.D), Bhir Mound (600-200 B.C) Sirkap (200 B.C – 600 A.D,Jundial Temple (250 B.C), and Julian Monastery (200-600 A.D). After visit, we will continue drive to Islamabad, Dinner & overnight stay will be at hotel.
You will be transferred to Islamabad International airport to embark home flight. From peace and serenity of Mountains of Pakistan to the hustle and bustles of “modern” trends, you say Khuda Hafiz, the typical farewell, as you depart after a tour into Shangri-La.
Services
Hotel Accommodation on twin sharing basis |
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner |
Air-conditioned luxury transport |
English speaking tour guide |
Entry fees |
toll taxes |
Domestic flights tickets |
Tips for baggage handling at airport & at hotels |
Member international flight tickets |
Member personal insurance and all personal expenses such as telephone calls, fax, email charges, liquor or soft drinks, |
Helicopter emergency rescue fees |
Room service, personal services, items of a purely personal nature any unforeseen expenses (just like road block extra hotel stay) then members will be pay according to the numbers of days basses |
Google Map
Photos
Karakorum Alpine Guide best tour operator highly recommended.
Muhammad
Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 at 10:28 am 2 years ago